The Wives: A Memoir

Years into their relationship, journalist Gorrindo’s boyfriend Andrew vocalizes a desire to join the U.S. Army. They know that his enlistment might destabilize their relationship, but they reach an agreement, marry, and move from New York City to Columbus, GA, where Gorrindo first realizes the realities of being a military spouse: long separations during a partner’s deployments, fear of receiving horrible news every time the phone rings, and navigating the complex social circle of other military wives. Her memoir begins in 2012 with the U.S. war in Afghanistan in full force. Even when Andrew returns from deployment, the angst-filled process of his re-adapting to home life is nearly as stressful as was his absence, and Gorrindo also feels hollow. Their marriage becomes a waiting game governed by training and service missions. When she gets pregnant, it increases the stakes.